Saperstein to head Blueprint kids efforts<br /><br />

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TORONTO -- Canadian producer Blueprint Entertainment on Friday said it has launched a family and kids programming brand, with former VH1/MTV Networks executive Frank Saperstein at the helm.

The Toronto-based producer said Saperstein will run Blueprint Kids, developing and producing family and children's programming from the company's Los Angeles office.

The appointment follows Blueprint last week announcing it will acquire a "significant stake" in Toronto-based Oasis International to launch itself into international distribution (HR 5/3).

The recent expansion follows former Tri-Star Pictures president Jeff Sagansky and Canadian film producer Robert Lantos in February making an unspecified cash injection into Blueprint, which has offices in Toronto and Los Angeles, to speed up its growth and international reach.

In the latest move, Saperstein has been hired on as senior vp of animation and children's programming after most recently serving as creative director of Philippine Animation Studio. Before that, he was a producer-director and development consultant for VH1/MTV Networks.

"His expertise in developing and creating critically acclaimed popular entertainment, together with his ability to attract top international talent and partners lends itself perfectly to our expanding needs," Blueprint chairman and CEO John Morayniss said in a statement.